For a small to medium sized business we recommend you start with one 30L Compo-Capsule with once a week pick-up and take it from there. We're very flexible and are happy to create a service plan that suits your needs! The cost for once a week pick-up and full service is $25 per pick-up (essentially $100 per month)
Our individualized bins come in a 50L, 30L and a 15L size. If you require a communal bin system, let us know your space parameters and we'll find the right bin for you!
We will service your bin where you have placed it or if you prefer, you can leave the bin outside your office's front door. That's pretty much it - we'll take care of everything else!
This is our most frequent question/concern from people interested in composting - rest assured, we haven't encountered regular odour problems from any of our clients! Have a look at our Growing City Community page to see who else is using our services. You know they wouldn't be loving GC if they had smell issues ;)
We are very happy to report that, no - our service does not attract pests. In fact, one of our clients with an existing mouse population did a pest audit before implementing our service across 10 floors and again 6 months later. There was absolutely no increase in the population!
Most clients require weekly pick-up, however those needing additonal pick-ups can request a specialized program to meet their needs.
If you find that your team is filling up your bins too quickly you may need to go up a bin size or increase your pick-up frequency. We're very flexible here at Growing City, send us an email and we'll create a customized service plan to suit your growing needs!
You can put almost anything organic in your Compo-Capsule excluding meat, fish, and bones (unless you're using our communal or event services). That includes: coffee grounds and the filter, teabags, napkins, wooden stir sticks and chopsticks, bamboo cutlery, plants and flowers, uncoated paper plates and cups (make sure they say compostable! Email us for recommended brands :D ), and of course breads, pastas, salads, fruits and pits, and eggshells. If you're wondering about an item - ask us! We're more than happy to talk shop.
We use certified compostable locally-sourced bags.
We use all natural cleaners including Growing City Pure Clean vapour: a custom made, all-natural, anti-bacterial fair trade cleaner that's scented with a custom Growing City blend of all-natural essential oils. If you would like to purchase a bottle for yourself, please let us know!
The Compo-Capsules belong to Growing City and we require a one-time rental fee for the Compo-Capsule. This fee covers bin maintenance and repairs!
We understand that implementing a new waste program can take some time. There will be no repercussions for contaminated food waste for the first three months of service. If the wrong material continues to go into the Compo-Capsule, a note will be left with the client explaining what caused contamination. Unfortunately, contaminated food waste will not be composted and will have to go to the landfill. A charge will be billed for every instance of contamination after the initial 3 months.
Yes, every member of the Growing City team is bonded and undergoes a criminal record check before they're hired. We also have general liability insurance. Please contact us for more details.
The one-time rental fee cover's replacement and maintenance costs. We figured if we charged it only once, it would be cheaper for our clients than charging the typical monthly bin rental fee that most other businesses do, and there you go!
If your Compo-Capsule is damaged or in need of repair, please contact us and we'll be happy to help! We'll do our best to switch it out in 24 hours. Please ensure that the Compo-Capsule is placed in a secure area as if it is stolen, charges may be applied for the cost of the bin and a delivery service charge.
Composting with Growing City is already as simple, clean and convenient as it gets - but here are some easy tips to make things even better:
- Clean out your fridge on pick-up day! (This seems pretty self explanatory, but a good tip nonetheless! )- Surprisingly, cut flowers are the biggest culprit in regards to potential smell - who knew? Change their water regularly and make sure to put them in your bin as close to pick-up day as possible.- Keep fruit in the fridge! Keeping these goodies on the counter is a great way to attract unwanted natural guests to hang out in your kitchen.
Yes! We're looking for outgoing people to join our Compo-Caddy Team in our service division - if you're interested or know someone that is, have them send us a resume!
When you're looking for the best information for at-home composting, the place to start is CityFarmer - there you'll find amazing tips and tricks as well as educational workshops. These people also run the famous Compost Hotline (604.736.2250). They're your first stop on the road to at-home composting expertise!
If you'd like Growing City to come into your office to talk about home composting options, let us know!
We understand - we love the stuff and so do our balcony gardens! If you're a client, send us an email and we'll hook you up on the low low. (that means on the cheap ;D )
Yes! We'd love to hear all about what you guys are doing to keep the green growing - please contact us and keep us up to speed with all your great ideas and initiatives!
Yes! We partner with a different organization or charity every month to bring our clients great community events and volunteering oportunites. If you have an event coming up that you'd like Growing City to be a part of, please contact us. Check out some of our awesome past events!
Yes! We love meeting with Green Teams and talking about great ways to motivate the office to get more sustainable. We've got lots of ideas and we've learned great tips and tricks from all our awesome clients - we're sure a session with us will put your team on the fast track!
Yes, Lisa is always open to working within the community to promote Growing City's values of waste reduction, entrepreneurism, urban sustainability, and community involvement. Check out the Growing City blog to see Lisa and our Growing City team in action!
Please contact us to schedule an interview or meeting with Lisa. Check out our Media page to get a look at some of our other great coverage!